Disappearing Train Table?

[Anonymous]

I'm in the process of moving my American Flyers into a new house. There's not much room for the current table. Has anyone seen plans for a table that can be lifted up to the ceiling... then lowered down for use?

Thanks

[Sperandeo]

Hello "Dom,"

See the article on the Carlsbad, East Portal & Zenith RR, an N scale 4x8, by John Armstrong, published in the April 1982 MODEL RAILROADER, page 98.

[This article has also been re-published in the books "18 Tailor-Made Model Railroad Track Plans" (page 31) and "The Classic Layout Designs of John Armstrong"  (page 56).]

This article includes a diagram for a lifting suspension using nylon rope and ball-bearing pulleys to be powered by a garage-door opener. Depending on the size and weight of your layout, the door opener mechanism might not have enough power, but I've seen the same basic idea used for a garage-sized HO layout.

Good luck,

Andy

Andy Sperandeo
MODEL RAILROADER Magazine